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Arrival Guide: The First 48 Hours (2)

You’ve reached your hotel/room. Now what? The first 2 days can be expensive if you aren't careful. Follow this guide to save at least 200-300 AED immediately.

1. 📱 The Internet Crisis (Fixing the 24-Hour SIM)

Your free airport SIM will stop working in 24 hours. Don't get stranded without Maps.
  • The Trap: The free "du" SIM you got at the airport has 1GB data. Once 24 hours pass, it dies.
  • The Fix: You don't need to throw it away.
    • Option A (For Tourists): Go to any du or Etisalat store (in any mall) and ask to "Top Up" the tourist plan. It costs around 49 AED for 2GB data + 30 mins calls (valid for 28 days).
    • Option B (For Heavy Users): Buy a Virgin Mobile SIM (available at most grocery stores/malls). They often have better data deals for newcomers.
    • Option C (Students): Wait until you get your Emirates ID to buy a "Postpaid" plan (much cheaper). Stick to prepaid WiFi until then.

2. 🚇 Mastering the Metro (Avoid the 100 AED Fine)

The Metro is cheap, but strict.
  • The "2 Bag" Rule (Strictly Enforced 2025):
    • You are only allowed 2 suitcases per person:
        1. One Large Suitcase (Max 81cm x 58cm x 30cm)
        1. One Handbag/Laptop bag.
    • Warning: If you have 3 bags, security will not let you enter the station. You will have to take a taxi.
  • Nol Card Hacks:
    • Silver Card: Buy this for 25 AED (includes 19 AED balance). It is the best standard card.
    • Red Ticket: Avoid this (it's a paper ticket for single trips, more expensive in the long run).
    • Tap In & Tap Out: You must tap your card when you enter AND when you leave. If you forget to tap out, you get charged the maximum fare (7.50 AED).

3. 🚖 Taxi Strategy (Airport vs. City)

  • From Airport (Expensive):
    • The "Flag Fall" (starting meter reading) at the airport is 25 AED. A ride to Deira/Bur Dubai will cost approx 80-100 AED.
    • Cheaper Alternative: Take the Metro from Terminal 1 or 3 to a station near your hotel, then take a taxi.
  • Within City (Hala Taxi):
    • Download the Careem app. Select "Hala Taxi."
    • This books a regular meter taxi but gives you the exact price estimate.
    • Note: Uber is generally 30% more expensive than Careem/Hala in Dubai.

4. 🥗 Eating Cheap (Vegetarian Edition)

Dubai has amazing "Pure Veg" food, but hotel food is overpriced. Go where the Indian expats eat.
  • The "Falafel" Rule (The Veggie Lifesaver):
    • In any small "Cafeteria" (Neon signs), do not order the veg burger (it’s usually frozen patty).
    • Order This: "Falafel Sandwich" or "Falafel Plate."
    • Cost: 4 to 6 AED. It is fresh, filling, and technically healthy.
  • Best "Pure Veg" Areas:
    • Karama & Bur Dubai (Meena Bazaar): This is the heart of Indian veg food.
    • Must-Visit Spots:
      • Rangoli (Meena Bazaar): Famous for Gujarati Thali (~25 AED) and Pani Puri.
      • Saravana Bhavan: The classic South Indian safety net. Reliable Masala Dosa (~15-20 AED) anywhere in Dubai.
      • Bhukkad Café (Karama): For Mumbai-style Vada Pav and Chaat if you miss home flavors.
  • What to Order (The "Cheap & Best" Menu):
    • Breakfast: Idli/Vada Sambar (10-15 AED).
    • Lunch: "Mini Thali" or "Business Lunch" (Look for this on menus—it’s cheaper than a full Thali).
    • Dinner: Paneer Chilli Dry + Porotta (Indo-Chinese is huge here).
  • Delivery App Hack:
    • On Talabat or Careem, use the filter "Pure Veg" to avoid cross-contamination worries.

5. 🔌 Plugs & Power

  • Socket Type: Dubai uses the British Type G (3 rectangular pins).
  • Voltage: 220V (Same as India).
  • Action: If your Indian charger is 2-pin, buy a simple adapter at a "Day to Day" or discount center for 5-10 AED. (Don't buy it at the airport for 100 AED!).